“You promise not to run away when I open the door?”

“I do, of course.”

“Cross your fingers properly and promise out loud. Hold them upso’s I can see.”

Bony obeyed and loudly promised not to run away, with the mental reservation that he would not run away for a hundred pounds.

There was no further hesitation. Rose Marie moved the box from the door, slipped the heavy bolt, opened the door wide, and came in with her tray.

“My!” she exclaimed, putting the tray down on the bench. “It is hot in here.”

“Better leave the door open,” he suggested. “All the hot air will then go outside. Oh! I see that you have brought two cups and saucers. And cake! You know, Rose Marie, you are being very kind. Are you going to have tea with me?”

They sat one at each end of the bench with the tea tray between them. With the precision of an experienced hostess the little girl set out her service of cups and saucers and plates. They had two blue stripes round their edges and the tea cosy of white wool also had its two blue stripes. It was evidently not the first occasion that Rose Marie had served afternoon tea.

“Do you take milk and sugar?” she asked.

“Thank you… and one spoonful of sugar, please,” replied the delighted Bony, the romantic heart of him charmed. “You have a very nice tea set.”

“Yes, it is pretty. I knitted the cosy all by myself to match the cups and things. Miss Leylan says I made four mistakes in knitting the cosy. Can you see them?”

“No. I can’t. I don’t see any mistakes. Miss Leylan must have been mistaken. Who is she?”

“She comes in from Wattle Creek Station three times a week to our school. She’s the sewing mistress. I like her. Her brother owns Wattle Creek Station, you know. Will you say grace, please? Mr and Mrs James always do when they take tea with Mother.”